CERPA Sets Out Key Expectations for Ghana’s 2026 Budget.

Ahead of the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament, the Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) has outlined its expectations for a budget that sustains Ghana’s recent macroeconomic gains while stimulating growth, creating jobs, and strengthening fiscal resilience.

CERPA notes that after a year of relative macroeconomic stability, the 2026 Budget presents an opportunity to deepen reforms, drive industrialisation, and improve livelihoods through sound economic management. The think tank urges the government to present a budget that reflects fiscal discipline, efficiency in spending, and a focus on productive sectors.

 

CERPA’s Key Expectations:

1. Growth and Jobs Creation Orientation
The 2026 Budget should prioritize job creation, especially for the youth, and enhance productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Allocations should support industrialisation, digital employment, and the ‘Big Push’ agenda, while highlighting progress under the 24-Hour Economy Programme.

 

2. Revenue Reforms and Tax Policy Adjustments
CERPA expects policy announcements aimed at broadening the tax base, improving efficiency, and rationalising levies and fees. The government could consider reviewing the e-levy and other digital transaction taxes while balancing revenue mobilisation with fiscal consolidation and relief for households and businesses.

 

3. Fiscal Consolidation and Primary Surplus Commitment
The budget should demonstrate how the 1.5% of GDP primary surplus target will be achieved through expenditure restraint, efficient revenue collection, and elimination of wasteful spending. CERPA anticipates updates to fiscal anchors, including debt-to-GDP projections and deficit targets, to reinforce fiscal credibility.

 

4. Debt Sustainability and Public Investment Management
Given Ghana’s recent debt challenges, the budget must outline how public investment will be better managed, with clear priorities for new projects, improved transparency on state-owned enterprises, and stronger governance frameworks for debt and arrears management.

 

5. Risks and Contingency Planning
The government should identify key risks—such as global commodity price shocks, currency volatility, inflation pressures, and climate disruptions—and provide credible contingency measures to safeguard macroeconomic stability.

 

6. Addressing Illegal Mining (Galamsey)
CERPA expects renewed commitment to strengthening anti-galamsey enforcement, promoting sustainable alternative livelihoods, and integrating these efforts into environmental protection, agricultural development, and youth employment strategies.

CERPA emphasises that the 2026 Budget must mark a shift from short-term stabilisation toward long-term transformation. By combining fiscal discipline with growth-oriented measures, Ghana can sustain momentum, attract private investment, and deliver broad-based prosperity.

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